Nairobi: More than 60 community-based water projects in Kieni constituency have opposed plans by the government to increase water tariffs by 500 per cent. The leaders of these projects, which supply water to over 300,000 consumers, have strongly opposed the government’s proposed increase in water usage charges from Sh0.50 to Sh2.50 per cubic meter for domestic and public use. They have called out the government for failing to consult the consumers before implementing the new tariffs.
According to Kenya News Agency, Joseph Kagiri, the chairman of Mutitu Water Project, stated that the latest increase was implemented without consulting the affected communities or seeking public views, which contravenes Article 10 of the Constitution and Section 4 of the Water Act requiring public participation in all policy and regulatory decisions. Kagiri described the increment as unjustified, unconstitutional, and imposed without adequate public participation. The new charges, introduced under the Water (Resources) Regulations, 2025, represent a 500 per cent increase from the previous rate that had been in place since 2007.
Kagiri emphasized that the decision was made without the community’s input and disregards the principles of openness, transparency, and inclusivity mandated by the Constitution. He highlighted that access to clean and affordable water is a right, not a privilege to be priced beyond reach. During a meeting organized by the community water projects in Kieni, Kagiri urged the Ministry of Water and Sanitation to revoke the new tariffs, warning that failure to do so would result in legal action by the consumers.
This marks the government’s second attempt to raise water tariffs. An earlier attempt in 2021 to increase the rate to Sh5 per cubic meter faced nationwide protests from consumers, the Council of Governors, and stakeholders, leading to its temporary reduction to Sh2 per cubic meter and a subsequent court suspension in July 2023.
Kagiri noted that the latest increase would significantly burden rural households and farmers relying on community water projects for their livelihoods. He called on the Ministry of Water and Sanitation and the Water Services Regulatory Board to suspend the new regulations and initiate genuine public consultations. He warned that failure to do so would prompt a challenge through the Water Tribunal and, if necessary, the Environment and Land Court.
Mwangi Muriithi, a Kieni resident dependent on the water projects, expressed concerns that the increase would make it more difficult for residents to access water. He urged the government to reconsider the decision and revert to the old tariffs. Muriithi pointed out that the water projects, initially set up to ease access to water for the community, are already struggling with demand surpassing supply. He noted that the projects charge Sh200 for 10 cubic meters, and some residents, due to poverty levels, find it difficult to pay, implying that the new tariffs would exacerbate the situation.
In a separate event in Kabaru area, Kieni Member of Parliament, Njoroge Wainaina, announced that he has filed a petition seeking to halt the implementation of the new tariffs. He warned that the increased charges could lead to a water crisis for his constituents. Wainaina stated that he has sponsored a court petition to challenge the tariff increase and seek a halt to its implementation.
